Eradication of Pneumonia through community engagement
Shillong, Nov 30: The Health Department, in a step towards eradicating pneumonia from the state launched the Social Awareness Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) initiative. The initiative was inaugurated on Thursday, at the Community Hall in Rangbihbih, East Khasi Hills, in the presence of Smt. RM Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, who graced the program as the chief guest. Also in attendance were PT Passah, Project Director of DRDA, and Dr. L. Kharmuti, District M&CH. Highlighting the initiative’s focus on health awareness, a Health Mela was organized alongside the program, also featuring the aspect of Aadhar seeding for the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS). One of the strategies to tackle child mortality stemming from pneumonia is the introduction of the Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine into the state’s immunization schedule with an aim to significantly reduce pneumonia cases among children. Recognising the gravity of pneumonia-related child mortality, the Government of India had initiated SAANS (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully) campaign in November 2019. This initiative is aimed at ensuring the well-being of its citizens, especially the vulnerable child population, by introducing vaccination measures and fostering health awareness through community engagement.
10th anniversary of RBSK in state
SHILLONG, Nov 30: To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) in the state, the RBSK Line Department Convergence Meeting was held at MIIT Shillong on Thursday. Director of Health Services (MCH&FW) cum Joint Mission Director National Health Mission, Dr R Allya, graced the meeting along with State Nodal Officer for RBSK, Dr Gatphoh and other staff from the Health department. Two Mobile Health Teams under RBSK teams are present at every block and screening is done at school and Anganwadi level on a regular basis. Children receive free general health screening including eye check up and oral health, District Early Intervention Centres are also in place in 3 districts — East khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills. These centres are equipped with Medical Officers, Paediatricians, staff nurses and DEIC managers. The programme involves screening of children from birth to 18 years of age for four Ds- Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies and Development delays, spanning 32 common health conditions for early detection and free treatment and management, including surgeries at tertiary level. Other departments and private institutions present at the meeting were Bansara Eye Care Hospital, Avenues — which manages the RBSK Helpline 14410 — DEICs, Social Welfare department, Education department and State Resource Centre Shillong. At the function, free health screening for children was also held. The programme was organized by the Health department – National Health Mission and MHSSP Meghalaya.
PHE minister told to monitor JJM
TURA, Nov 30: The A’chik Organization for Social Welfare (AOSW) has written to PHE Minister and Williamnagar MLA Marcuise N Marak urging him to closely monitor the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Garo Hills. In its memorandum addressed to the PHE Minister, the organization said that while some villages have seen successful implementation of the JJM, there have been instances where certain contractors merely try to complete the project without any concern for its long term durability. The organization while urging the minister to give personal attention to the matter assured to give full support and cooperation as well as assistance towards making the mission successful.